id, as they stood waiting for the dawn to break, "the
moment we enter the gates half the company will mount the wall to the
right, the other half to the left, and each will push along to the next
angle of the wall. Lieutenants, one of you will go with each wing of the
company, and you will oppose to the last any force that may march along
the rampart to attack you. I want one soldier to keep by me."

As day began to break, each man grasped his firelock and awaited the
signal with impatience. A cheer broke from them as the four cannon
roared out at the same moment, and at so short a distance that every
shot told on the gate. Another salvo and both halves of the gate were
splintered.

"Aim at the centre where the lock is," an officer shouted.

"Get ready, men," Hector said. "Another round and the gate will fall."

As the cannon rung out there was a shout of triumph. One of the gates
fell to the ground and Hector dashed forward, followed closely by his
company. Not a single shot was fired from the walls, and the men burst
through the gates cheering. The leading wing of the company turned to
the right, and, led by Hector, ran up the steps close to the gateway on
to the rampart.

"Take them on to that bastion at the angle of the wall, lieutenant. I do
not think that you are likely to be attacked at present. The enemy must
all have been drawn off to the other end of the city. Now, my man, open
that bag."

In it were a couple of dozen large nails and a hammer. "Drive one of
those right down the vent of this gun. That is right. One more blow.
That will do. They won't get that nail out soon."

He went along the wall spiking each gun until they reached the half
company drawn up in the bastion. "No enemy in sight, lieutenant?"

"None, sir, at least not on the wall. We heard them running away in the
streets below."

"Remember, lieutenant, whatever force may come along you must withstand
them. It will not be for long. You will be at once supported if we hear
firing."

Then he retraced his steps along the ramparts, passed over the gateway,
and saw to the spiking of each gun as far as the next angle of the wall.
Here he repeated his instructions to the lieutenant there.

"I do not think," he said, "that there is much chance of your being
attacked. The enemy would have to make a detour right round the citadel
to come here, and certainly they will return by the shortest way, as
soon as they discover that the other attack is